Last-Minute Interview Prep Tips

Interviews can be pretty intimidating, so it’s understandable if you put off prepping for the big day because of nerves. Lucky for you, we’ve put together a cheat sheet of last-minute interview prep tips, whether your interview is tomorrow afternoon — or two hours from now.

Procrastinators, rejoice. You still have a chance at that job!

1. Dress Code

Looking the part really is half the battle. A professional interview outfit is part of making a good first impression. Ladies, keep it classy with appropriate heels, buttoned up shirts, and modest skirts. Avoid flashy jewelry, see-through blouses, and low-cut tops. Men, a pressed shirt and dress pants are always an easy option; consider a tie and a business jacket if it’s appropriate for the company. Never wear sneakers or shorts, and do go easy on the cologne.

2. Research

Get out your smartphone for a quick Google search on your company. Read up on any recent news items that the company is mentioned in and make sure you take a look at the company’s website. Familiarize yourself with their mission statement and general services. Expect to be asked why you want to work for this particular company, not to mention a handful of other tough interview questions about the company’s history. This is challenging even for the most prepared of interviewees, so don’t worry if you find yourself stumped. But if you do some research beforehand, you won’t look like a deer in headlights.

3. Prep Materials

Always print out a copy of your resume and any related job materials so that you have it on hand for the interview. Don’t have a printer? Ran out of ink? Email the necessary documents to yourself and make a quick run to you local copy store. Worst case scenario: Email your resume to your interviewer just before your interview so at least they have a soft copy.

4. Quiz Yourself

While it’s hard to predict exactly what you’ll be asked during your job interview, there are a handful of questions that you should be prepared for. Don’t be caught off guard when you’re asked to talk about your past job experiences or specific projects. Be prepared to recall detailed examples of your accomplishments. Practice with a friend, or even in front of a mirror. Listen to yourself and how you phrase your answers. Practice makes perfect!

5. First Impression

At its core, a good interview is really about making a positive first impression. All that dressing professionally, arriving on time, and coming prepared won’t matter if you seem arrogant and self-absorbed. Carry yourself with a confidence — your positive, professional attitude won’t go unnoticed. However, if you feel that the interview is going south, it doesn’t hurt to ask if it’s possible to reschedule. Be polite and considerate of the big favor you are asking of your interviewer. After all, the worst that could happen is you don’t get the job. Better luck next time!